I tried not to be dissatisfied when she ended up only drawing about twelve on the bark. None of them matched the one Zevrial and I had received.
The thought crossed my mind that Zevrial had far more than twelve on his arms alone. Would she teach us what those others meant?
“Upon graduating, each of you will be assigned one glyph by the Ascendancy, based on your performance during your time here. Commendable service after graduating, such as volunteering for outer perimeter repair work or additional operations to the isles may earn you additional glyphs. Honing your individual Skinscript is something you’ll practice as an active Voyager. Remember each has their own limitations.”
Was there a maximum limit to how many Skinscripts one person could get? My traitorous mind wondered if Zevrial had already hit that limit.
Could you receive the same glyphs in multiple locations for an added boost? Was that the same as combining them?
“If there are hundreds, what others are there?” I asked.
“The ones we’ve covered today are approved by the Ascendancy for training. The rest are restricted knowledge, given out only rarely, when appropriate. You’ll likely never see Skinscripts beyond the ones we’ve covered today,” Instructor Garcien answered.
When I turned, Henrik was still fixated on the Starshell. “Don't even think about it,” I whispered.
“Think about what?” He shrugged with an easy smile. The scent of sweetstalk nectar clung to his breath. He was still smuggling it into the outpost, then. He’d been embracing the liquid learning approach ever since Orin’s expulsion. I elbowed him in the ribs.
Instructor Garcien sent a knowing look our way, but continued with her lesson as if she couldn't hear us. “All Skinscript is permanent, and cannot be removed once inked.”
That was unfortunate. Zevrial had been telling the truth then. We were both stuck with these glyphs. I shifted in my seat.
“For this reason, some graduates choose instead to apply for another service,” she continued.
“Wait, that doesn't make sense,” Rosa interrupted. “Why would they reapply for a different service if they passed the final exam and are ready to graduate? Who would turn down Skinscript?”
“It’s uncommon, but it does happen,” Instructor Garcien said. “What if you're a habitual insomniac, and the Ascendancy decides you should be given the glyph for 'Energy'? Would you accept it and just endure with barely any sleep for the rest of your life? What if you're already quite strong before graduating, but 'Strength' is chosen as your glyph? Would you consent to the possibility of unintentionally injuring your loved ones every time you elbow them in the side?” She sent a pointed look my way. My ears reddened with embarrassment.
She gestured to the drawings she'd made. “And these examples are just using the few glyphs I've shown you today. There are a myriad of other potential consequences for each Skinscript glyph, and each of you should consider your own situation carefully before accepting your graduation glyphs. The Ascendancy is careful about who they assign each glyph to, but only you can determine if their choice is well suited for you. It is an important choice, not one that should be taken lightly.”
Staring at the symbols, I wondered if any of them might have an adverse effect on me.
Chapter 23
Learning to Manage Leaks
All day I'd been restless and uptight, knowing that my first supplementary training with Zevrial was nearing. Dinner sat in a twisted knot in my stomach. At least Henrik would be suffering with me.
I imagined I was walking the plank to the Devourer as I plodded toward the Brig, where Zevrial had told us to meet for the training. I was already late, having procrastinated as long as I could get away with.
Stepping through the doors, oil lamps had been laid out around the perimeter to make up for the lack of natural light from the moonless night. It had a cozy effect on the otherwise intimidating room, one I didn't appreciate.
Being this close to bars felt too familiar, even if all of the cell doors were open.
Making myself not notice Zevrial was impossible, although I tried valiantly. Henrik was nowhere in sight. My stomach churned as Zevrial turned a charming smile on me from inside the largest cell.
The lamplight was hugging his skin, making it look almost like it was glowing. Why was it so hot in here?
“Your friend seems to have opted out of today's training,” Zevrial commented. “Lucky you, you'll be getting a personalized session today.”
“Yeah, lucky me,” I muttered. We were isolated, then.
Yipee.
“Hmm. Punctuality isn't your strong suit, is it?” he asked, motioning me forward. I inched a step closer into the cell, keeping as much distance between us as I could. This man was hazardous to my health.
“That's fine, we'll work on that too,” he said.
I crossed my arms, trying to put at least one more feeble barrier between us. “What are we,” I cleared my throat, mouth dry as ancient bone. “What are we doing here tonight?”
